How to Create a Proper Gallery Wall

How to Create a Proper

How to Create a Proper Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are everywhere and have been for years. All in all, it’s a good thing! They help us to display more of the things we hold dear and in a way that looks nice. Well… usually looks nice, that is. 

Getting the right blend of art, photography, and framing isn’t as easy as it seems. Don’t be intimidated! We’ve assembled these steps to help you get it right.

Gather Your Art

Gallery walls look their best when they appear at once both intentionally curated and effortless. (Big ask, we know.) Take your time and gather a wide-ranging stack of potential pieces. Mix up media types so you have photographs, drawings, and paintings. Consider handwritten or printed words, ticket stubs, and other forms of memorabilia – even fabric from sentimental shirts. 

Gather Your Frames

The frames in a gallery wall are arguably just as important as the art itself — make sure they’re worthy of looking at too. You can buy new frames in one uniform finish or bring some variation to the gallery, which we recommend. Try blending vintage finds with different types of metals and wood tones to round out your look. It’s also important to consider the overall style you want your gallery wall to have before finalizing your art or frame selection. For example, you can bring the entire gallery together by incorporating strong colors from one art piece into the frame or matting of another. Don’t shy away from buying a frame you love just because you don’t yet have anything to put inside of it.

Take Inventory

Now that you have frames you love as well as art, it’s time to start pairing. Figure out which pieces you want in which frames, and note the sizes of any art that still needs a frame or any frame that’s missing art.

Measure and Model

Measure the wall space you’re designing for and then create a shape with those dimensions on a floor. Start playing with your framed art to get a feel for what works well and what doesn’t. Begin in the middle of what would be your gallery — typically this should be your biggest piece to keep everything feeling balanced. Take your time with this part and don’t stop until you have a layout you love. 

Create Placeholders

Trace your frames onto paper and tape the papers on the wall in what will be the final position for each respective piece. This part is tedious and can feel redundant. After all, if you just hang the frames up properly to begin with, then this whole step is unnecessary, right? Sure, but even the professionals struggle to properly place and align everything on the first try. If an extra 15 – 30 min can save your walls from a bunch of unnecessary holes, we say it’s worth it. Consider keeping your placeholders spaced at an even distance from one another for cohesion. Take note of how each one has to hang and put marks on the placeholders accordingly. If any of your pieces are exceptionally heavy, be sure to use anchors or use a stud finder to prevent them from falling in the future.

Start Hanging

Nail or screw into the placeholder markers according to your needs for the individual piece. Double-sided tape can also work well for a gallery wall (and decrease future issues with keeping everything lined up). Remove the placeholders, hang each piece, and use a level to make sure everything is straight.

Enjoy

Your gallery wall is done! Enjoy it. Swap out art whenever you feel like it. 

Bonus Tip

Make a habit of dusting and straightening each frame as a part of your regular cleaning routine.

source : blog.kaiyo